Marc Favreau

I live on an island named Martha’s Vineyard, with my family and five pet chickens. My chickens do lay eggs, but they are mainly pets.

I didn’t start writing until I was in my forties, because it took me that long to gain the confidence that I could do it. I often talk to young writers about developing their writerly self-confidence early in life, and to listen to their inner voice.

I got interested in history when my dad took me to visit the Civil War battlefield in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. We read a book together called The Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara. I was hooked from then on. When I write, I try to remember the excitement I felt, all those many years ago …